I think "borrow" would have been a better term to use. Borrowing suggests the intention would be to pay back, either in labor, monetery value, or in like kind.
It is never OK to steal from anyone.

Stealing is stealing, no matter when or where or by whom. And, as a rule thieves never want to be the victim of theft.

I suspect the priest would approve of stealing from any large "corporate" like institution, but I wonder if that would include stealing from the church - hmmmm?

There is a full column on this elsewhere in the Advocate which explains more about Jones's thinking it's okay to take from the corporations. This does sound a bit like rallying the proletariat to a Marxist theme of redistribution of wealth.

Anyway, I'd have liked to see the preacher stress working for the money, checking out local faith-based charities, even government aid.

England is a big welfare state, so I can't see any excuse for stealing from retailers and their employees.

I was referring to the priest as a democrat. He was the one who told people it's okay to steal if they only take a little bit or only take it from big companies. Ex--sorry about the confusion. I originally was using some of YOUR statement along with the quote from the priest and then deleted it. I didn't make the change as clear as I should have.

Who is the democrat...I hope you are not suggesting I am a democrat. If so, you are horribly mistaken. I am an independent and for these exact reasons. I make my own judgments NO ONE person/party sways my views! I sway my OWN! Thank YOU! If that is not what you meant....my apologies!

And really, I don't not care what any of you have to say about my comment. All I did was voice my opinion. Some of you obviously are STILL not getting the big picture behind the priests words or mine for that matter. You would much rather pick apart someones comment rather than see/understand the meaning to it.

If I am considered a thief myself and a speaker of bad advise than so be it. ALL that matters to me is what these big FAT BELLIED Corporations and our lovely government is doing to ALL OF US (their little puppets) - I suppose you enjoy being one?!

Like I said before - IT'S the POINT behind his WORDS!

GOODNESS People!

exresident...""If our society, and its governmental and institutional and retail components, will not help those who starve, then, yes, let them be stolen from according to the need."

Sounds like he's a democrat. The only difference is the priest is eliminating the governmental middle man in stealing from those who have and giving to those who don't.

Didn't Jesus order his disciples to steal a donkey and colt for him?

What part of "THOU SHALT NOT STEAL" doesn't this guy understand? Now with that said - This is terrible but in my mind not as bad as the many churches who are thumbing their noses at the Bible and allowing homosexuals in the pulpit and other positions of leadership in their church!

I think everyone who is honest completely understands what Rev. Tim Jones is saying. A man or woman cannot stand by and watch his family starve. If our society, and its governmental and institutional and retail components, will not help those who starve, then, yes, let them be stolen from according to the need. If the head of government say he does not understand this, then he is being dishonest. If the police chiefs say they do not understand this, then they are being dishonest. If the head of a company says he does not understand this, then he is being dishonest. If the Archdeacon of York says he does not understand this, then he should not be an archdeacon. True, stealing will not solve the society-wide issue of starvation, but it can lead to the end of the immediate problem of starving for an individual or his family.

On another note, I do not think that the priest should of said such things in such a manner as that given his position in society. But, maybe it needs to be looked at this way. Maybe he has the back bone that we all need to have! No matter his position he said what needs to be said. It's sad but it's the truth in many ways. Yes, throughout history of man kind their are those who have had less and have gone hungry, But, it has come to a point where our GOVERNMENT is just out of hand and ruthless and all the people suffering for their wrong doings and selfish ways has to stop. ALL these RIDICULOUS corporate bail outs and not one thing YET for the little people...the churches and food banks can't keep up. Many have had to close their doors! How HORRIBLE is that. Why not bail them out so they can continue to clothe and feed those who so desperately need and deserve it. All the poor, starving children out their just makes my heart ache with pain and sadness. STOP coating your wallets with more FAT and help those who really need it!!!!

I am NOT encouraging stealing by any means, BUT, I am encouraging the priests POINT behind his words! God Bless ALL.

This man is representative of Satan. Bible says he who does wrong will not inherit his Kingdom..that includes liers.

I agree ex-resident- a little more background would help with this story. Rev. Jones's opinion in his sermon has been widely denounced in England, especially from his Anglican church:

"The Archdeacon of York, Richard Seed, released a statement saying the Church of England does not advocate shoplifting or law-breaking in any form. Seed lauded Jones for "raising important issues about the difficulties people face when benefits are not forthcoming, but shoplifting is not the way to overcome these difficulties."

He's also been denounced by the police, retailers, and fellow clergy.

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2009...

Jesus came to save sinners, even ones who try to lead others astray. It's up to the rest of the Christians to stand up for what's true. Seems like this pocket of England is trying to set this guy straight.

What was this priest thinking when he said that???Isn't "Thou shalt not steal" one of the ten commandments!!